Ross County forward Liam Boyce has forced his way back into the Northern Ireland squad and is aiming to maintain his fine early-season form to ensure he stays there.
Boyce was left out of Michael O’Neill’s 23-man squad for Euro 2016 in the summer, with a poor run of form towards the end of last season seeing him lose out on the final attacking place to Wigan Athletic attacker Will Grigg.
Having commanded a place in the squad for most of last season, Boyce was promised a recall by O’Neill for last weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic, which ended in a 0-0 draw in Prague.
Although Boyce did not get on the field, the 25-year-old was pleased to get a feel for international football once again following his summer setback and he said: “It was good just to be back involved, getting back in again obviously after missing the Euros.
“As one of the new players coming in, I just had to try and train well and force my way into the manager’s plans. I didn’t get on but it was a tough game away from home – a point was a good result.
“I’m looking forward to the next one at home to San Marino and trying to get some minutes on the pitch.
“I’ve done well training with the national side but I just have to keep rattling on the door.
“The manager has always been good at communicating with me. Even on the last trip, he was pulling me aside and making me more involved straight away.
“Of course, I understand I didn’t have the best end to last season but he knows I can score goals. I think he has just been waiting for me to get back into form.
“I’ve started the season well and hopefully I can keep it going. He said he was going to bring me back in anyway but five goals in two games cemented his thoughts.
“Had I not scored any goals at the start of the season he would naturally have his doubts, so it is great to start well.”
Boyce has netted five goals in his opening four league games for the Staggies this season, meaning he is halfway towards his initial target for the campaign and he is looking to add further to his tally when the Dingwall men host Motherwell today.
Boyce added: “Playing up front and scoring goals, the manager here knows I can get in the hole, find space and play, but I think I’m most effective in the middle around the box and scoring goals.
“I always do the same – I try to get to 10 goals. Then I aim for the next 10 and continue like that.”
